In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful
The holy Prophet (s) has stated, “Whoever passes their days and does not endeavor for the affairs of Muslims is not a Muslim”.
In days that Muslims of the world enjoy the spiritual blessings of the holy month of Ramadan, inviting each other for iftar and sahar, a devastating flood has caused a catastrophe in the friendly Muslim country of Pakistan. Such a flood has not occurred for 80 years. More than 22,000 are missing or dead and over 15,000,000 Muslim people at Khaybar Pakhtonkha, Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Millions of followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) have lost their lives in this natural disaster.
Meanwhile, due to difficult relief conditions and delay in conveying international humanitarian contributions, the stricken people are facing sever lack of drinking water, food, and medicine. This has caused an increase in the death toll and the spread of epidemics and dangerous diseases like cholera. Unfortunately, due to recurrent heavy rains, the flood is getting worse and relief is facing even greater problems. Furthermore, according to Pakistani official reports, more than 700,000 hectares of farmland for crops such as rice and cotton have been destroyed. This indicates a catastrophic future for the region.
Likewise, although the current damages are very extensive and the flood will take around 40 days to subside, unfortunately, a third wave of rain is on the way. Taking this into consideration as well as Qur'anic orders and recommendations of the holy Prophet (s) and his progeny stating that the sign of a Muslim is to sympathize with and aid other Muslims, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly requests all Muslims throughout the world as well as organizations and influential personages to collect and send urgent cash or material aides to decrease the suffering of the stricken people.
Organizations, charity societies, and people may send their contributions to their needy brothers and sisters in Pakistan thus:
1. Cash aides to account number 1123 at Bank Melli of Iran, Imam Khumayni Relief Committee branch.
2. Cash aides to Red Crescent account number 99999 at Bank Melli of Iran.
3. Foreign currency (for Muslims living outside Iran) to foreign exchange account number 702070 at Bank Melli of Iran.
4. Giving material contributions to Red Crescent, Relief Committee, and Basij offices, mosques, and Friday Prayer Headquarters in Iran and charity associations and Relief institutions outside of Iran (items required: drinking water, medicine, canned foods, flour, dates, blankets, water flasks, mosquito nets, rugs, tents, kitchen appliances, sanitary products, and clothing).
5. Likewise, considering the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly's direct relations with personages, Muslim groups, and Shi‘as in Pakistan, the Assembly is ready to receive and send any contributions to the flood stricken and homeless people.
Considering the imminent decline of world sentiments as well as the forthcoming cold season, the homeless will encounter much more difficulties. Accordingly, apart from cash and material contributions, financial, technical, and engineering groundwork must be prepared now to construct buildings and restore the flood torn regions. Therefore, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly requests all philanthropists, rich personalities, architects, engineers, companies, and relevant organizations to cooperate in this aim.
Once again, all humanitarians the world over are requested to cooperate in this relief movement. We pray that this gesture is accepted by Almighty God, the holy Prophet (s), and Imam Mahdi (‘a).
And say, ‘Go on working: Allah will see your conduct, and His Apostle and the faithful [as well].
(Surah Tawbah 9:105)
The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly
Blessed Ramadan 1431/2010
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